Sephora to Launch at Marks & Spencer
‘Sephora at M&S’ will roll out in M&S stores and online starting next spring, with plans to expand to 100 locations by the end of 2028.
Beauty
Analysis and advice on the fast-evolving beauty business.
A Tale of Two Makeup Artist-Led Brands; Where Is Harry Styles’ Pleasing?
This week, I look at the very different roads traveled by Pat McGrath and Charlotte Tilbury, wait with bated breath for Pleasing’s comeback and review LVMH’s beauty results.
Europe’s Beauty Consumers Are in Play. Who Will Win Them?
European shoppers are increasingly buying beauty online, but local merchants face stiff competition from newer giants like Amazon and TikTok Shop.
The New Beauty Discovery Journey on TikTok Shop
As discovery commerce reshapes the beauty industry, this playbook details how brands can leverage modern shopping behaviours, boost awareness and build cross-channel demand through TikTok Shop’s creator-led marketplace — with insights from Phlur, Medicube and POV Beauty’s Mikayla Nogueira.
How Dubai Became a Hotbed for Fragrance Dupes
A global luxury fragrance capital, Dubai has become an expert hub for affordably priced fragrances that are among the top sellers on TikTok.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards Are Back – Apply Now for 2026
BoF will honour six entrepreneurs shaping the future of the beauty and wellness industry at The Business of Beauty Global Forum in June. Apply now for your chance to pitch your brand to industry leaders from Sephora, Rare Beauty, Amouage and more. The early bird application deadline is February 27, 2026.
Why Pat McGrath Labs Filed for Bankruptcy
Once valued at $1 billion, the makeup brand has struggled to balance its creative point of view with commercial viability.
2016’s Hottest Beauty Brands: Where Are They Now?
While social media is nostalgic for the year that birthed the cut crease and contouring, many of the brands that benefitted at the time are now behind the curve.
The Brands Taking Boomers Back to Their Punk Roots
Older consumers are embracing ever more vibrant shades of hair dye, tempted by unique formulations and maturer marketing. Gen X founders say it’s a shift, not a trend.
Who Will Win the K-Beauty Wars?
This week, the beauty retail wars head for Korea and I dive into the reason for so many recent foundation reformulations.
The Indie Brands Taking Latino Hair Care Global
Over the last decade, a slew of Latino-founded indie brands have tapped into underserved consumer demand in the US and Latin America. But growing means scaling brand awareness and securing investment to take on the big players.
South Africa’s Booming $4 Billion Beauty Market a Key Battleground for Retailers
Once relegated to drugstores and niche outlets, beauty and personal care products are now front and centre, with retailers like Woolworths Holdings Ltd. leading the charge.
Opinion: Creatives Should Not Fear the AI Revolution
Generative AI tools take the toil out of image making. But learning how to use them is where the real work begins, writes Isamaya Ffrench.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
Novo Buys Rights to Early Obesity Pill For $2.6 Billion
The Wegovy maker has signed a deal to license an experimental obesity pill from China’s Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals as it seeks to regain share of the global GLP-1 market.
Oura Delays US IPO
The smart ring maker said on Tuesday it has delayed its US initial public offering, citing market uncertainty.
Scarlett Johansson’s Skincare Brand The Outset Closes
As of Monday, the premium brand’s website has been updated with a message announcing its closure.
Vyrao Acquired by Brand Platform Tresalis
The niche perfume brand has been purchased by the new beauty operator created and backed by German investment firm Athos.
L’Oréal Joins Forces With Nykaa to Invest in Indian Beauty Brands
BOLD, the French conglomerate’s venture capital fund, will collaborate with retailer Nykaa to invest in the next generation of Indian beauty brands.
Private Equity Firm Inflexion Invests in Manucurist
The European investor, which previously backed Medik8, has taken a 49 percent stake in the premium French nail line.
Novo Nordisk Looks to Target Hair Loss in Consumer Push
The maker of Ozempic and Wegovy seeks to expand its direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical business as rival Eli Lilly outpaces in weight-loss drugs.